Leech

The Edenic root of leech combines two sub-roots, LaK (moisture) and KHaiKH (palate), with the mem prefix (from, by). The letters of these two words are used to build the Hebrew word LaKaKH; to lick. The English word lick is also a double guttural and was surely created from the Edenic combination of moisture and palate. Newborns lick their mother’s teat to stimulate lactation flow (*GO!). Mammalian mothers lick their infants periodically to stimulate nursing. Licking also stimulates healing of open wounds. Milk sounds like it should originate from this word but linguists disagree.

The feline Bastet was the lower Egyptian Goddess of pregnant women and medicinal ointments. The alabaster jar on the left is an example of the finely crafted jars for medicinal purposes. The etymology of alabaster is ultimately derived from Bastet and refers to the mineral calcite, a carbonate of calcium. This Egyptian mineral was mined extensively in Egypt and many ancient quarries have been found in the hills overlooking the plain of Tell el Amarna. After unification with upper Egypt, Bastet was associated only with the domestic cat and Sekhmet took over the role of lioness. Both were seen as protectors of the Pharaoh from disease supposedly because cats kill rats and rats carry disease. Since the association of rats to disease via fleas was not discovered until the 18th century this theory is highly unlikely.

The mirror image of pregnancy and healing is death and disease. Sekhmet became the representative of both after the unification of upper and lower Egypt. Both Bastet and Sekhmet had temples constructed in the middle of sacred Isheru lakes much like the Great Mother Maut. Both feline goddesses were closely associated with Maut who was the source of all earthly moisture. However, the majority of statuary in all of Egypt is a depiction of Sekhmet. Seven hundred granite Sekhmet statues have been uncovered in Thebes alone. Many more statues made of calcite have dissolved away because it is one of the more water soluable salts. Perhaps the intended melting of these statues was a form of alchemy to summon the healing moisture. The licking lioness representing all death and disease would melt away and with her all the illnesses of her worshipers.

Melt may be ultimately derived from the same source of the Edenic word for sodium chloride or salt; melach. Melach means to vanish or pass away and salt is a rock that dissolves. Mollusks melt with salt and so may be derived from this word. Molting is the passing away of feathers. Smelting is melting with fire.

Although Sekhmet usually appeared naked, her breasts were always adorned with rosettes. Egyptologists have traced this back to the hair whorls on lions but another rosette of naturally occurring calcite exists in Egypt. This desert rose is found deep in caves considered to be the lair of Maut. The symbolism of rosette breasts is very clear; melt is the milk of Sekhmet.

Licking wounds to accelerate healing is common to all mammals except those that are fully or semi-aquatic. Perhaps the old English word for healer or physician (leace) shares a common origin with lick. At least it is agreed that leace is the origin of the modern English word leech. Linguists admit they do not know the origin of leace, therefore, I am permitted to suggest the Edenic LaKaKH. Leeching describes the process of attaching blood sucking worms on specific areas of the body to promote healing. Paintings of medicinal leeches have been found in Pharaohs’ tombs so this treatment was known to the ancient Egyptians. The Solomon Parables describe leeches for treatment of wounds and the Roman physician Galen advocated leech therapy to achieve a healthy balance of humors. Medicinal leeches have made a modern day comeback in microsurgery to combat venous insufficiency. Small veins sometimes cannot be reconnected resulting in the death of tissue. The leeching action draws oxygenated blood through the damaged section and at the same time prevents swelling caused by coagulation.

Linguists have determined that leech did not enter the English vernacular until 1784. Since leeches were surely around before that date they must have been known by another name. Wyrm was probably used to describe all creatures that motate without the benefit of arms or legs. Etymology Online says, “wurm, variant of wyrm, serpent – dragon.  Perhaps it is the leech that is climbing the Rod of Asclepius.